Blog

November 10, 2012

The first family we will visit is from Somalia. The father was killed in 2003. After his death the mother (age 37) her son (17) and four daughters (ages 16, 15, 14, and 13) left Somalia for Uganda. They lived in the Nakivale refugee camp in Uganda from 2004 until they moved to the U.S. The mother had a tea shop to support the family. It was a small, welcoming place where people gathered to talk about life. The children all attended school and learned English. The oldest daughter finished high school and helped mom out at the shop. The younger children are getting physicals and vaccinations in order to attend high school in Arizona. They are all very bright and motivated to start work and study. They are a close and supportive family and thankful for the services of Welcome to America Project.

The second family we will visit is from Iraq. The father (age 36) and mother (30) said life was scary in Iraq. The father’s brother was kidnapped and held for $50,000.00 ransom. After the money was paid, he was released safely. The father was asked to be a guard for the Iraqi army and move away from the family. When he refused to become a guard he was called a terrorist and his life was in danger. The family arrived in the United States in August of this year with their two daughter’s ages six and three and one son who is just one year old. The father has one sister in Colorado and would like to have his mother and father join them safely. The oldest daughter is attending elementary school. The family is having a difficult time adjusting to life in Arizona. They need to learn English and to find jobs.

The last family we will visit is from Somalia. They left their country due to a traumatic event which the family is unable to discuss. The father (50) and mother (29) have six sons (ages 11, 10, 8, 6, 4 and 1). The four oldest children are enrolled in school and are learning English. The father and mother need to learn English and to find work. They are concerned about finances. The children’s eyes are full of life and curiosity. The parents have had a very hard life, and they are extremely thankful for any help they can receive.